December 1, 2015

Lk 10: 21-24

At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then turning to the disciples, Jesus said to them privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”

The Secret

I’ve discovered that whispering playful secrets ensures delight. I call my goddaughter close and speak only to her, parents and grandparents surrounding. She reels back in pure happiness, and returns an equally private thought. Even if no words are spoken, the hushed wisp of two little voices sharing anything deepens a bond of trust and friendship and invigorates the spirit. And, everyone wants in.

As Advent begins, let us not forget that God once whispered to Mary a quiet truth, a secret now revealed to all who want to hear. And in response, she rejoices. She delights. It is a secret which unlocks wisdom and offers strength, that heals the afflicted and brings justice to the poor, that unites once-enemies and raises the dead. If only we, who think we know everything and who lord over others, would hear it.

The secret is: I am here, and you are loved.

—Eric Immel, S.J. is a Jesuit scholastic studying philosophy at Loyola University Chicago. He also serves as a Jesuit vocation promoter and is a prolific author.

Prayer

I have loved you with an everlasting love,I have loved you and you are mine;I have loved you with an everlasting love,I have called you and you are mine.

PraySLUH is a prayer site rooted in the spiritual tradition of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. At SLUH, we believe that God is truly present and active in our lives in and through all things. PraySLUH is a site where you can come daily to see where and how God is accompanying you, through prayer with scripture, prayers, and short reflections.

December 1, 2015

Lk 10: 21-24

At that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then turning to the disciples, Jesus said to them privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”

The Secret

I’ve discovered that whispering playful secrets ensures delight. I call my goddaughter close and speak only to her, parents and grandparents surrounding. She reels back in pure happiness, and returns an equally private thought. Even if no words are spoken, the hushed wisp of two little voices sharing anything deepens a bond of trust and friendship and invigorates the spirit. And, everyone wants in.

As Advent begins, let us not forget that God once whispered to Mary a quiet truth, a secret now revealed to all who want to hear. And in response, she rejoices. She delights. It is a secret which unlocks wisdom and offers strength, that heals the afflicted and brings justice to the poor, that unites once-enemies and raises the dead. If only we, who think we know everything and who lord over others, would hear it.

The secret is: I am here, and you are loved.

—Eric Immel, S.J. is a Jesuit scholastic studying philosophy at Loyola University Chicago. He also serves as a Jesuit vocation promoter and is a prolific author.

Prayer

I have loved you with an everlasting love,I have loved you and you are mine;I have loved you with an everlasting love,I have called you and you are mine.